US Bridges

US 2 over Milk River

Fair

Blaine County, Montana · 6M W Chinook · Structure no. P00001397+07721

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
281 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,655
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 2 over Milk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 2 over Milk River in Blaine County, Montana. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,655 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,788 by 2043. The structure is 281 ft (85.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 2
CrossesMilk River
Location6M W Chinook
RouteU.S. Route 2
StateMontana
Coordinates48.59433, -109.36426
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length281 ft (85.8 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,655 (2023)
Projected traffic2,788 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 2 over Milk River built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 2 over Milk River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does US 2 over Milk River carry?

About 2,655 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 2 over Milk River?

The structure is 281 ft (85.8 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 2 over Milk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.